On the eve of the founding of the Joseon Dynasty, a whale swallows the Emperor's Seal of State being brought to Joseon by envoys from China. With a big reward on whoever brings back the royal seal, mountain bandits led by Jang Sa Jung go out to sea to hunt down the whale. But he soon clashes with Yeo Wol, a female captain of pirates, and unexpected adventure unfolds.

It has an interesting plot, but the background behind that plot and the nationalistic pride shoved at the end of the movie is a bit of a buzzkill. Not TOO much of a buzzkill however.

I can hear Pirates of the Caribbean in the music in this movie, along with some other more well known soundtracks. It works well. The special effects aren't flawless but they're impressive and fantastic- they don't detract from your enjoyment of it, but add to the fun atmosphere of the film.

The characters are definitely the high point in this movie. The two 'captains' of the pirates and the bandits are both people you can root for, even through the mistakes they make. Watching them interact was one of the funnest parts of this movie.

It won't stay with you for a lifetime, but it's definitely a decent way to spend two hours.

The Pirates was one of the most successful South Korean movies of 2014. It was on my plan-to-watch-list for a long time and finally, I have seen it.

STORY
The synopsis looks kind of ridiculous, I know. But once the story story started it is not that bad.

The story itself is nothing special, but it is done in an entertaining way. There are many hilarious scenes, which just cracked me up. There are also some scenes, which were ridiculous (like the scenes with the whale), but I can overlook that.

Most of the fighting scenes were directed well, but the first scenes were kind of confusing and difficult to follow. Then it got better.

I could say that this movie is kind of a Korean version of The Pirates of the Caribbean. However, the American original is much better, unfortunately. It might be because of the budget as well. I suppose that Hollywood movie will have a higher budget than a Korean movie.

CAST/ACTING

Son Ye Jin
I watched this movie because of Son Ye Jin, as she is my ultimate favourite Korean actress. I was kind of disappointed with her acting, but it was her first time starring in this type of movie, so it must have been challenging. I always appreciate that she tries out different types of roles and does not always stick to her original innocent characters (e.g. The Classic).

I would normally like her type of character, but this time, I did not. The badass thing just did not work with me. If she was more sassy, I would probably like her character.

Kim Nam Gil
This was my first time watching something with him. His looks are kind of unique but he is a good actor. I think that he fits well in historical movies. When I tried to watch Shark, I could not watch it because of his looks there. The moustache is so weird. However, it fits well into historical productions.

I must say that he pulled off the comic scenes very well, but the serious scenes were not as good. I wonder if he is one of the actors, who cannot switch from comedy to drama that easily. It is a difficult thing to do, so I completely understand.

I really liked his character here. It was fun to watch him and I was pulled in by his acting.

In the future, I will definitely watch something with him, but it must be something which is set in the past. Otherwise, I will not be able to get over his appearance :D

The Pirates/Bandits
The comedic scenes were taken care of the actors who ported the pirates or bandits. Many great actors like Shin Jeong Keun, Yoo Have Jin and Park Chul Min made the movie entreating to watch. With their brilliant acting skills, they have enlighten the scenes.

I also have to mention Lee Kyeong Yeong. Just after I finished the movie, I have realised that he
was in Misaeng. I have to say that he is an amazing actor!

As for Sulli, she just had a minor role. I did not mind her here.

MUSIC
Right after I heard the music in the intro credits, I bought the OST from iTunes. The soundtrack
is really good and it is worth to listen to it.

OVERALL
The movie was fun to watch but nothing special. The beginning kind of dragged and then the
second half was kind of rushed. But in general, I enjoyed this movie and it made me laugh. That's
what matters to me.